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Written by guest author Dr. Quan Zeng, Plant Pathologist, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Gordon Merrick, Senior Policy & Programs Manager at the Organic Farming Research Foundation, in a meeting with staff from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D–CT–03)’s office, the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. I was proud to be able to share my research on organic methods of fighting fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease that affects apple and pear orchards, to help illustrate how federal research funding is vital for both organic and conventional agriculture systems. 

As a plant pathologist, my work focuses on bacterial plant pathogens, specifically Erwinia amylovora, the cause of fire blight. This disease poses a serious threat to apple and pear production in the United States. It primarily spreads through flowers and shoots, and can even be transported throughout the tree through their xylem, which generally results in death of the tree. This can lead to orchard-wide epidemics, already resulting in over $100 million of economic damage annually. Climate change has brought its own complications to this disease, with its warming temperatures and wetter weather.

Organic producers face an even greater challenge, as they cannot use antibiotics like streptomycin after they were banned in organic production in 2014 due to concerns of antibiotic resistance and ecological impact. While this shift was necessary to protect the effectiveness of commercially important antibiotics, it created a pressing need for alternative methods of control. Through projects awarded funding through the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), I have been collaborating with researchers and growers to develop organic-compliant strategies to manage fire blight. 

One promising solution involves using a naturally occurring yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans, to protect apple flowers by inducing the plant’s natural defenses. This biologically-based control method has shown effectiveness comparable to antibiotics for controlling fire blight, though there are some complications relating to fruit russeting, a purely cosmetic issue, from treated blooms.

To refine and improve these control methods, my team is working with six organic orchards across Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. Together, we’re testing new yeast strains and integrated management strategies to maximize disease control while minimizing side effects like russeting. This hands-on collaboration with farmers is a central pillar of OREI and is critical to developing successful, practical, and impactful solutions. 

The progress we’ve made in controlling fire blight would not be possible without support from USDA research programs like OREI and the Organic Transitions Program (ORG). These programs provide essential funding for research that studies the issues and extension efforts to operationalize the research, ultimately helping all growers address complex challenges like fire blight. Although organic farmers cannot use antibiotics, many conventional operations are also facing the reality of antibiotic resistance and are increasingly turning to organic controls like my research. 

During our meeting with Rep. DeLauro’s staff, I was inspired by the Congresswoman’s commitment to advancing agricultural research. She understands that investing in science is key to improving agricultural sustainability and productivity. Her support and advocacy for programs like OREI and ORG are crucial to allow research and extension programs to continue to answer farmers’ questions and support their operations with sound science. 

I am excited to be able to collaborate with the Organic Farming Research Foundation in meeting with Rep. DeLauro’s office to talk about these important issues. Collaborations like this, between researchers, policymakers, and organizations, are essential to addressing the challenges facing our food systems. By ensuring continued investment in research, we can equip farmers with the tools they need to protect their orchards, feed their communities, and sustain their livelihoods.

Use Your Voice

Interested in sharing your research with legislators and advocating for continued investment in organic research? Watch a recording of OFRF’s free workshop, Communicating with Legislators. This educational workshop is designed to equip researchers within the organic farming community with the tools and resources they need to effectively engage with and educate policymakers about the impact of their work.

Watch Recording

OFRF’s New Strategic Plan (2024-2029)

By OFRF staff

At the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), we’ve always been guided by our commitment to fostering the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. Our mission remains at the heart of everything we do: to cultivate organic research, education, and federal policies that help bring more farmers and acreage into organic production. And now, with the approval of our 2024-2029 strategic plan, we’re more focused and energized than ever to make this vision a reality.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new five-year strategic plan, representing a significant step forward for OFRF and the organic farming community. This plan not only reinforces our commitment to fostering organic agriculture but also sets ambitious goals to broaden our community and deepen our commitment to equity. These goals will guide our efforts over the next five years, ensuring that organic farming is recognized as the leading form of agriculture, benefiting both farmers and the planet.” – April Thatcher, President of OFRF’s Board of Directors and founder and farmer of April Joy Farm.

Our new strategic plan sets the course for the next five years, outlining ambitious goals that align with our mission, vision, and values. It’s a roadmap that builds on our foundation, adapts to the challenges of today, and prepares us for the future of organic farming.

Why We’re Excited About This Plan

This plan reflects who we are as an organization and what we stand for. It represents a collective effort—from staff, board members, and farmers—coming together to set priorities to move organic farming forward.

At the core of the plan are some exciting initiatives we can’t wait to share.

Supporting Farmers, Listening to Their Needs 

Farmers are at the heart of everything we do at OFRF, and our strategic plan strengthens this commitment. By regularly gathering feedback from organic and transitioning producers, we’ll launch new initiatives to directly support growers, shape research and education around their most pressing challenges, and create stronger connections between farmers, researchers, and local organizations. From creating more structured opportunities for farmers to share their insights, which will help guide our work, to new resources addressing climate threats—we’re focused on ensuring farmers have the tools they need to thrive while leading the way in building resilient, sustainable farming systems.

Advancing Climate Solutions Through Organic Practices

We know that organic farming can be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change. Our plan prioritizes efforts to expand the role of organic systems in climate resilience and sustainability. We’ll be working on campaigns and educational efforts to showcase the real-world, on-the-ground benefits of organic farming in addressing climate challenges.

Expanding Research and Education Opportunities

Over the next five years, we’re committed to expanding the availability and access to science-based resources for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals. Our Organic Research Hub (coming soon!) will serve as a central platform for sharing innovative research and practical applications in an easy-to-use way that promotes the long-term success of organic farming systems.

Building Our Advocacy Work

We are expanding our advocacy work to ensure that the voices of organic farmers are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. We will continue to represent the needs of farmers in Washington, D.C., and in the halls of Congress, advocating for policies and USDA programs that advance organic agriculture. By doing so, we aim to create a more equitable and supportive landscape for all farmers striving to farm more sustainably.

Deepening Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Organic farming can only thrive if it’s accessible and inclusive. Our strategic plan emphasizes our responsibility to dismantle systemic barriers within agriculture and to foster a diverse and equitable food system. We’ll continue to amplify BIPOC farmer voices, increase outreach to underserved communities, and work toward a food system that benefits everyone.

What’s Next for OFRF

This plan is about more than setting goals—it’s about making meaningful change. With our new strategic priorities in place, we’re eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the specific actions that will drive the organic movement forward.

We’ve set ambitious goals for the next five years, and we know we’ll need the support of our community—farmers, researchers, partners, and advocates—to make them a reality. Together, we will take bold steps to ensure that organic farming not only grows but leads the way in creating healthy, resilient people, ecosystems, and economies.

“As we embark on this exciting journey with our new strategic plan, we’re committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within the organic farming community. Together, we can address the challenges ahead and work toward a sustainable future that benefits all farmers and our planet. We look forward to engaging with each of you as we turn our vision into action.” – Keith Richards, Chair of OFRF’s Board of Directors.

This is just the beginning, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates as we begin to implement our plan and see the impact it will have on the future of organic agriculture.

Let’s work together to create a stronger, more sustainable future through organic farming. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our progress and ways to support our work.